Page 1840 - Politics
Peace an imperative, but no final breakthrough as yet with Taliban: Afghan Prez
Afghanistan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani Thursday said peace is imperative for his war-torn country but there is no breakthrough yet with respect to Taliban and withdrawal of US troops. He also lashed out at Pakistan for supporting terror activities in Afghanistan and for failing to deliver on its promises. He added that Pakistan would continue to remain "a poor country" if it continues in the current form. Speaking at the World Economic Forum (WEF) annual summit here, Ghani said Pakistan should come out of its trauma of birth as that would be good for the entire South Asian region, including Pakistan, India and Afghanistan. While stressing that it is imperative that the war that has gone on for so many years must come to an end, he said that given the complexities it is difficult to arrive at a date when the conflict would end. The Afghan President was responding to reports that some deal has been reached with Taliban for withdrawal of the US troops from the country. He said there
Cong-JDS will decide on LS seat-sharing in 3 days:Siddaramaiah
The ruling Congress-JD(S) coalition in Karnataka will take a decision on seat sharing for the coming Lok Sabha elections in three or four days, coalition coordination committee chairman Siddaramaiah said Thursday. Ruling out any threat to the H D Kumaraswamy-led government amid alleged attempts by the BJP to topple it, the former Chief Minister said both parties will face the polls together. Preliminary discussions have been held on Lok Sabha elections and a meeting will be held in three or four days to decide on the constituencies, he said. "..keeping in mind the situation in the constituencies, we will decide," Siddaramaiah told reporters after the coordination committee meeting here. Former Prime Minister and JD(S) supremo H D Deve Gowda will also be part of that meeting, and it has been decided both parties will go together for the polls, he said. On seats demanded by JD(S), Siddaramaiah said it has not been discussed. "...we will decide on seats and other things in .
High-level selection panel meet inconclusive on new CBI chief choice
The high-level Selection Committee meeting at the residence of Prime MInister Narendra Modi to choose a new CBI Director to replace ousted chief Alok Verma remained inconclusive on Thursday.
Farm loan waiver in Cong-ruled states a 'farce, conspiracy to grab votes': BJP
The BJP said on Thursday the Congress's claim of waiving farm loans in states ruled by it was a farce and alleged that the Rahul Gandhi-led party was waiving debts of its leaders in the name of farmers. Addressing a press conference, Union minister Manoj Sinha said loan waiver promised by Gandhi is a "fraud" and a conspiracy to garner votes. Asked whether the NDA government has any plans to waive farm loans across the country, Sinha said, "We do not support the policy that the central government should waive debts of farmers countrywide. "We have been working to boost their income so that they could contribute more to the country's economy and themselves become economically strong to face challenges." Sinha said the country's farmers have come to know about the fraud committed in the name of loan waiver by "Rahul Gandhi and company" and that they staged a demonstration against the Congress president in Amethi. "The Congress's falsehood has been exposed. In the Congress-ruled states, ..
DR Congo's Tshisekedi falls ill during inauguration speech
DR Congo's new President Felix Tshisekedi fell ill briefly as he was delivering his inauguration speech on Thursday following the country's first peaceful handover of power. Tshisekedi, 55, returned to the microphone after 12 minutes, saying: "A famous president of our country said in his time: 'understand my emotion'." He was quoting the late dictator Mobutu Sese Seko, who said those words in 1990 as he was announcing the end of single-party rule in the vast central African country. "The campaign we had to run... got the better of me," Tshisekedi added, apologising for the interruption as his predecessor Joseph Kabila looked on impassively through his trademark dark glasses. State television had interrupted its live broadcast of the historic event after Tshisekedi said, "I don't feel well", and sat down as family members came to his side. During the ceremony, Tshisekedi received the national flag and a copy of the constitution from Kabila, who is stepping aside after 18 years at the .
Save BJP, none happy with move to strengthen NE autonomous
The Centre's decision to grant more power and funds to 10 autonomous councils in the Northeastern region failed to satisfy political parties of Tripura, except the ruling BJP. Even the Indigenous People's front of Tripura (IPFT), the sole ally of the saffron party in the state, said the Centre's move would not be able to fulfil the aspiration of the tribal people of the state. Aiming to woo the tribal population in the Northeast ahead of the Lok Sabha polls, the Union Cabinet Wednesday approved constitutional amendments to increase the powers of the autonomous councils in the Sixth Schedule areas of the Northeast. While the BJP termed the decision 'historic', the main opposition CPI(M) said there is nothing new in the proposed amendment. "We have long been demanding a separate Twipraland for the tribals. We think a separate state by carving out the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council can only solve our problems," IPFT spokesperson Mangal Debbarma ...
Taliban-US peace talks facilitated by Pak: FO
Pakistan said on Thursday that the ongoing peace talks between the Taliban and the US representative were being facilitated by Islamabad. Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said that Pakistan repeatedly and consistently asserted that a political solution of the Afghan issue through dialogue should be the way forward. "The ongoing peace talks in Qatar have been facilitated by Pakistan," he told the media here. The Taliban and US officials are negotiating in Qatar this week. To a question about participation of Pakistan in the ongoing negotiations in Qatar, he said, "yes, Pakistan is present in Qatar". Faisal said Pakistan, as a part of the shared responsibility, is facilitating the ongoing round of talks between the US and the Taliban in Doha, Qatar. "Negotiations are between the two parties for which Pakistan and Qatar are providing the necessary support and facilitating the talks," he said. Faisal also said that the US side expressed interest for a meeting of Prime Minister ...
Cong indulged in politics of regionalism and casteism during
Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das Thursday attacked the Congress for indulging in politics of regionalism and casteism over the issue of development during the 60-year of its rule. Whereas Prime Minister Narendra Modi was engaged in achieving all round development and improving connectivity of people and infrastructure, Das said. Das was speaking after he along with Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Jayant Sinha performed the ground breaking ceremony of a proposed airport in Dhalbhumgarh, about65 kms from here,under Ghatsila sub-division of East Singhbhum district. He said the government has also launched "Mukhya Mantri Sukanya Yojana" on the National Girlchild day Thursday at Chaibasa, West Singhbhum district, he said. Referring the growth of aviation sector in the state, the chief minister said only 1500 passengers used to travel by air per day in the state with only eight passenger aircrafts in operation before December 28, 2014, when he came to ...
US, China 'miles and miles' from resolving trade conflict: US official
Washington and Beijing are "miles and miles" from resolving their trade war, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Thursday. A high-level Chinese delegation is due in Washington next week as both sides work to reach a resolution ahead before March 1, when US duty rates on Chinese imports are due to rise sharply. "There's been a lot of anticipatory work done but we're miles and miles from getting a resolution and that shouldn't be too surprising," Ross told CNBC. Wall Street futures suddenly fell during his remarks, which came a day after the White House had moved to rebut media reports that the China trade talks had hit serious obstacles. While much work remained to be done, Ross added there was still "a fair chance" of reaching a deal, while noting that the dispute involved issues that were difficult to address in a short timeframe. "I believe china would like to make a deal. I believe we would like to make a deal but it has to be a deal that works for both parties," he said. "I'm ..
India, SA to develop road map to enhance strategic partnership during Ramaphosa's visit: MEA
Stepping up cooperation in the area of defence and developing a road map to enhance strategic partnership would be some of the key agendas during South African President Cyril Ramaphosa's visit to India, a top official in the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday. Ramaphosa, who will be the chief guest at the Republic Day parade in the national capital on January 26, will be the second South African president to be invited to the event as the chief guest. Former South African president Nelson Mandela was the chief guest at the Republic Day parade in 1995, T S Tirumurti, Secretary (Economic Relations), said. "During this visit, we hope to agree on a road map for taking our strategic partnership forward. Defence and security will continue to be an area of close bilateral cooperation," he told reporters. "South African defence industries are looking at our 'Make in India' initiative with renewed interest. India and South Africa have a strong interest in maritime security in the ..
No order on Vedanta plant, SC to hear TN plea against NGT
The Supreme Court on Thursday did not pass any order to Vedanta's plea seeking direction to the Tamil Nadu government to take steps for the re-opening of the group's Sterlite copper smelting plant in the state in pursuance to a NGT order.
Sack health minister for failing to stop spread of swine flu in Rajasthan: Javadekar to Gehlot
Union minister Prakash Javadekar Thursday demanded removal of Rajasthan Health Minister Raghu Sharma and asked chief minister Ashok Gehlot to sack him for failing to contain the spread of swine flu in the state. Addressing the party's election management committee's meeting here, Javadekar said that the Congress government was insensitive towards people and has failed to contain swine flu. "The health minister says that deaths keep on happening. The insensitivity of the government is in front of all. Chief minister should sack the minister," he said. Javadekar said that crime has increased ever since the Congress formed government in the state. "Rise of crime is the specialty of the Congress," the human resource development minister said. BJP's state president Madan Lal Saini, general secretary Chandrashekhar and other leaders were present at the meeting.
Perarivalan's mom begins campaign to seek support from people
Seeking people's support for premature release of her son Perarivalan and six others convicted in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, Arputhammal Thursday began a campaign across Tamil Nadu. Speaking to reporters here, she said that even after four-and-a-half months of the Supreme Court order to consider the mercy petition, the Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit has not taken any step in that regard. In the wake of this, she said she decided on the statewide campaign to garner the support of the people and her campaign would go on till the Governor issues the release order. Asked if she was willing to meet the Governor, Arputhammal said she had met him sometime back and he had reportedly told her he would take steps for her son's release, but he has not till now. All political parties, be it ruling or opposition, have been supporting her in the struggle to get Perarivalan released, she said adding that she was told that the Central government cannot interfere in ...
BJP rules out mid-term polls in Goa
There will be no mid-term polls in Goa, state BJP General Secretary Narendra Sawaikar said on Thursday.
Can Priyanka turn the tables for Congress in eastern UP
The Congress might have surprised its opponents by making Priyanka Gandhi in-charge of eastern Uttar Pradesh but can she turn the tables for the party in the region where it could not win even a single seat in the 2014 general elections.
PM-led panel's meet to select CBI chief remains 'inconclusive'
The meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led selection committee to decide on the next CBI chief remained inconclusive, officials said Thursday. They said no decision on the CBI director was taken at the meeting. "A list of eligible officers along with their dossiers was shared with the panel members. But no decision has been taken so far," an official said requesting anonymity. He said another meeting of the panel will be called soon to finalise the name. The meeting, which was held at the prime minister's residence, was attended by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge. The post of CBI head has been lying vacant since January 10 after the unceremonious exit of Alok Verma, who was engaged in a bitter fight with Gujarat-cadre IPS officer Rakesh Asthana over corruption charges. Both Verma and Asthana have accused each other of impropriety. Verma, after being removed from the post of CBI director, was named as the Director General of ...
DMDK too names panel on alliance for LS polls
The DMDK, which aligned with the BJP for the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, Thursday announced a panel to clinch electoral deals with potential allies for the Lok Sabha polls. The five-member panel will be led by party's deputy secretary, L K Sudeesh, and also includes former MLA Azhagapuram R Mohanraj. The Lok Sabha election to be held this year will be the first acid test for the DMDK as the party is now expected to be steered by Premalatha -wife of party chief Vijayakanth- who was elevated as treasurer in October last year in view of her husband's ill-health. Vijayakanth is now recuperating in the US and his pictures on Christmas eve in that country was shared by the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK). The DMDK's move comes after DMK and later AIADMK announced their panels to hold talks with allies to formalise alliances under their respective parties. The DMDK was part of the seven-party rainbow alliance formed by the BJP for the 2014 Lok Sabha polls. While BJP won
Gehlot hails Priyanka's entry into active politics
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Thursday said appointment of Priyanka Gandhi as Congress general secretary of Uttar Pradesh-East "was the right decision taken at the right time" by Congress president Rahul Gandhi. "Rahul has taken this right decision at the right time. It has importance in politics. The decision has conveyed a good message among the youths and women. The BJP is afraid and therefore their party leaders are making illogical comments," Gehlot told reporters at the PCC here. When asked if the party would like Rahul or Priyanka to contest Lok Sabha elections from Rajasthan, Gehlot said it is for the party high command to decide but Rajasthan will welcome Rahul and Priyanka if they contest from here. Saying that the victory of Congress in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh assembly elections and performance in Gujarat elections had changed the people's perception about Rahul Gandhi Gehlot said the people now feel that only the Gandhi scion can challenge ...
Kodanad video row: DMK holds "siege" Raj Bhavan rally
The DMK Thursday held a protest demonstration near Raj Bhavan here urging Governor Banwarilal Purohit to direct Chief Minister K Palaniswami to resign from his post for a fair probe into the Kodanad heist case. Raising slogans like "CM must resign, Governor take action," and holding placards, the DMK demonstration which threw traffic out of gear for hours here was led by city based leaders former Mayor Ma Subramanian, P K Sekar Babu, J Anbazhagan and Madhavaram S Sudarsanam. Apart from seeking Palaniswami's resignation, the main opposition party demanded a probe by a Special Investigation Team, comprising officers of the rank of Inspector General of Police and further investigation into the "mysterious death" of alleged key conspirator Kanagaraj in the Kodanad case. Days ago, the DMK had submitted a petition to the Governor pressing the same demands and AIADMK leaders too had met Purohit to present their case and accused the main opposition party of making false ...
PM-led panel meets to decide on CBI chief
Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led committee Thursday met here to decide the name of the next CBI chief, the post lying vacant following the unceremonious exit of Alok Verma early this month, officials said. The outcome of the meeting, which was held at the prime minister's official residence at Lok Kalyan Marg, was not immediately known, they said. The meeting was attended by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge, the officials said. The panel had on January 10 removed Verma, who was engaged in a bitter fight with Gujarat-cadre IPS officer Rakesh Asthana over corruption charges. Both Verma and Asthana have accused each other of impropriety. Verma, after being removed from the post of CBI director, was named as the Director General of Fire Services, Civil Defence and Home Guards a less significant portfolio. Verma did not accept the offer and wrote to the government, saying he should be considered as deemed superannuated as he has ...